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Captain Dave's Dolphin Adventure
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Dana Point, California
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You wouldn't go to Africa to see a
lion in a zoo would you? Then why in California would you go to an aquarium to see a dolphin? There are five different species off the California coast totaling 400,000, more dolphins than Hawaii, Florida and Alaska combined. It's quite different to see them hunting and playing in the wild verses swimming around and around in a pool. |
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The way to really get to know these
amazing creatures is to board Captain Dave's catamaran and sail out to sea. After many years of following these intelligent mammals, Captain Dave and his crew know their routines. Their success rate is as high as it can be, finding dolphins over 90% of the time.
They advertise as part of the tour an
underwater video and hydrophone. During our tour there was no attempt to put these devices into play until I made |
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mention of them. They haphazardly lowered the camera into the water
which got caught at the surface and was left that way the remainder of the trip. No mention was made of the hydrophone. Though this was a disappointment, we were soon elated.
Five miles out a passenger who had been displaying signs of sea sickness
was now hysterical, insisting we stop the boat. The captain explained that he'd only had one other passenger this sick before and she went into a seizure. Making a difficult decision, the boat was turned around to get her back to land. He apologized, but assured us extra time after dropping her off. Just as we turned around a herd of dolphins emerged, there were dozens of them. They were in a playful mood circling the catamaran and going under it, nearly close enough to touch. Our tour guide stopped the boat, it was too irresistible to leave this amazing scene. We lingered hesitantly for about twenty minutes before having to get our patient back to land, then we were back out to sea again.
This time out the herd had already moved on to a different location where
they now ignored us. It was feeding time. They moved at a much faster and sporadic pace taking turns swimming through the schools of anchovies. These dolphins eat 4 to 6 percent of their body weight in a day.
Late spring to early summer is when the majority of dolphins deliver their
young. Unfortunately 50% of these calves will die within the first two years. Those that survive can live up to 50 years. On this tour you may also see sea lions, gray whales, sperm whales, and on rare occasions even killer whales! It was quite the adventure and well worth the money.
Dolphin and whale watching excursions are 2 1/2 hours long and depart at
9:00 A.M., 11:00 A.M. and 2:30 P.M.
Prices: $35 for children and $45 for adults. Pick up tickets in the Dana
Wharf Sport Fishing Shop.
Located at 34675 Golden Lantern in the Dana Wharf
Telephone (949) 488-2828
Website: www.dolphinsafari.com
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